State for helipads on rooftops of city buildings

State government on Thursday justified its stand on allowing helipads on rooftops of city buildings before the Bombay High Court, saying noise generated by helicopters was within permissible limits.

Shrihari Ane, representing the state, said Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s method to record noise levels of helicopters at Juhu airfield, was incorrect. He said that ambient noise levels should be recorded over a period of time, and not only at the time of landing and take off. “It is bound to make more noise while landing or taking off,” Ane said adding, “In that way, no airport can be permitted in any city.”

Justice F.I. Rebello and Justice J H Bhatia asked Ane if helicopters were allowed to breach pollution norms. He replied that helicopters were allowed to make a certain level of noise. The judges have asked the state to file an additional affidavit in four weeks explaining the procedure to record “the ambient noise level”.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Awaz Foundation, opposing the state’s decision to allow helipads on rooftops of city buildings citing violation of noise pollution norms as said noise levels reached 120 to 140 decibels (dB) during take-off and landing of helicopters.